Almacantar get Vision vote
Published: 16 February 2010

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced that it is to enter into a period of exclusive discussion with Almacantar, relating to the potential development of residential property along the Wellington Road.

This completed the work of the Club’s Development Committee and further negotiations will now begin immediately, led by the executive with assistance from a smaller team of experts.

MCC and Almacantar enter into this period to work together to create a scheme that meets the Club’s financial and physical ambitions.

The focus of this work will be at the Nursery Ground End and include residential opportunities on MCC’s leasehold land. In addition, there will be a thorough examination of other services to be offered, including an indoor school, banqueting and conference facilities.

Almacantar was selected from a final three-company shortlist, which also included Capital & Counties and Native Land. MCC will, at the end of the discussions with Almacantar, consider any development in the context of other possible schemes.

The Vision for Lord’s is the masterplan designed by Herzog & de Meuron, which seeks to increase the seating capacity of the Ground and deliver a range of new and improved facilities for Members and spectators alike.

Important milestone

Keith Bradshaw, Secretary & Chief Executive of MCC said: “We are delighted to have selected Almacantar and to have reached this important milestone.

"We have been impressed with the quality of their submission, which demonstrates a high degree of inventive thinking; something entirely appropriate for such an iconic venue as Lord’s.

"We will now work with them through the exclusivity period to shape the emerging proposals for the Nursery Ground, Indoor School and residential opportunities so that we can refine the financial model before presenting back to committees.”

Mike Hussey, Managing Director of Almacantar, added: “Almacantar is delighted to have been selected.

"It is a project that fits perfectly with our experience of developing some of the largest mixed use schemes to the very highest standards in London.

"I am looking forward to forging a long-term, successful partnership with MCC, underpinned by our common commitment and enthusiasm for delivering a fabulous scheme to a Ground as unique and iconic as Lord’s, the globally recognised Home of Cricket.”